Corrnerback Gareon Conley expected to face Chiefs, describes his feelings after leaving Broncos game on stretcher

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Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders lays injured on the ground after a play in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

ALAMEDA — Gareon Conley admitted to some concern while laying on the sideline after being inadvertently hit in the head with the thigh of teammate Johnathan Abram.

Yet by the time medical personnel had removed Conley’s facemask, strapped him to a cervical board were taking him from the Coliseum on a stretcher, the cornerback’s concern had shifted to his family.

“I don’t want my family to think something is more than what it is,” Conley said Friday as the Raiders wrapped up preparations to host the Kansas City Chiefs at the Coliseum. “I understand their side too. It’s just precautionary and I just followed instructions.”

Conley was hurt in the third quarter on his 45th snap. He was pursuing Denver running back Royce Freeman, who had gotten loose for a 26-yard gain along the visiting sideline. Conley had Freeman’s jersey when Abram came flying over, delivering a blow which drew a lowering-the-head penalty. Abram’s thigh then hit Conley’s helmet, twisting his head at an awkward angle.

“When I first went down, I was nervous, because I never had a neck injury like that,” Conley said. “I didn’t even want to get up at first. But as time went on, I felt like I was good. My neck was still sore, real bad, but I felt I could get up and walk. They said it was precautionary and I had to go get imaging on it.”

So before a national television Monday night audience and 52,359 fans, Conley was taken from the field. His night was over.

“Before the stretcher, I thought I could walk and everything, but they said I shouldn’t move my neck, because they didn’t know if it had lingered down or whatever so I just followed instructions,” Conley said.

Gruden said following the game initial reports on Conley were good. By Tuesday, Conley was not only OK, but would probably face the Chiefs. It was Abram, another key member of the secondary, who was injured. He was playing with a torn labrum and rotator cuff at the time and was officially placed on injured reserve Friday. His season is over and Abram had left shoulder surgery Friday, according to his Twitter account.

Surgery went really well and I’m forever thankful for all the love & support each and everyone of you sent! Best believe I’m coming back harder than ever. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nKZs30zTGc

Conley was officially listed as “questionable” and having “limited” participation. But that designation came as a surprise to defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who said Conley had done “everything” and Gruden sounded confident he’d have his starting cornerback against Kansas City.

“I think he looks good,” Gruden said. “Thankfully. Really happy to say he’s OK to start with, but he’s a tough guy and he had a good week of practice.”

Conley, who graded out in terms of analytics as one of the NFL’s better cover corners, was enthused about what he saw in Week 1 against Denver.

“It felt great, everybody flying to the ball,” Conley said. “Felt real good about the defense. I feel like we have a whole bunch of guys that are collectively on one page. When you’re on the same page, you can play fast, you can play smart, you can play physical.”

BURRIS SIGNED TO 53-MAN ROSTER

Juston Burris, a defensive back who has played with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, was signed to the 53-man roster as Abram was officially placed on injured reserve.

Burris, 26, has the kind of versatility the Raiders like in the secondary.

“He’s played nickel, he’s played safety, he’s played corner, and he’s potentially a hybrid type player that can do a lot of things, and help on (special) teams,” Gruden said.

At 6-foot, 212 pounds, Burris resists any kind of a label.

“I think this coaching staff wants to put their players in the best position to succeed, getting guys around the ball, and I think that’s what I do best — get to the ball and pursue the ball, whether it’s covering, in the box, or back in the post,” Burris said. “I can do it all and I’m just trying to help this defense anywhere I can.”

J.J. NELSON OUT, DOSS NO LOCK TO BE ACTIVE

Wide receiver J.J. Nelson missed practice again with an ankle injury and was ruled out of the Chiefs game along with guard Gabe Jackson (knee).

Gruden stopped short of saying Keelan Doss, the UC Davis and Alameda High product, would be active as a fifth wide receiver against the Chiefs.

“I don’t know. I’ve got to look at the film and see how things look here today,” Gruden said

Doss played no special teams in the exhibition season according to Gruden has had “not much” work in that area.

“He’s a work in progress in all areas, but I know he’s a hot topic around here,” Gruden said.

Defensive tackle Corey Liuget was listed as questionable but has had very little work pads and Gruden sounded skeptical of playing him against the Chiefs.

“I would think it’s on the 50/50 side at best,” Gruden said.

Wide receiver Tyrell Williams was limited with an illness but was given no designation, meaning he’s expected to play. Same goes for linebacker Nicholas Morrow, who has an ankle injury but was full-go in practice.

A late addition to the injury was punter A.J. Cole, who has a fight foot injury and was listed as questionable. Cole was in the locker room during media access, talked about his debut and gave no indication of being injured. His foot was not wrapped or iced.

Just in case, the Raiders are looking in to available punters if Cole’s injury is problematic.

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